Vegan “Cheese” Spread
A creamy and savory vegan cheese spread made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and other plant-based ingredients. Perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.
Details
- Author: CuisineSavvy
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Course: Appetizer
- Servings: 10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
- Tags: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Healthy Fats, Plant-Based, B12
Nutritional Values
This vegan cheese spread is rich in healthy fats, protein, and B vitamins from nutritional yeast. Cashews provide heart-healthy fats, while the spread is entirely plant-based, making it a great addition to a vegan or dairy-free diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | -- | |
| Total Fat | -- | |
| Saturated Fat | -- | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | -- | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | -- |
| Sodium | -- | |
| Total Carbohydrate | -- | |
| Dietary Fiber | -- | |
| Total Sugars | -- | |
| Protein | -- |
Ingredients
5 ounces raw cashews (about 1 cup), 0.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (about 4 pieces), 1 cup soy milk, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons melted margarine, 2 tablespoons miso, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons tahini, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon salt (to taste), 1/2 cup water, 1 packet (0.15 ounces) agar powder (a.k.a. kanten), 1 tablespoon pistachio nuts, finely minced
Instructions
1. Soak Cashews & Tomatoes: Soak the cashews in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse. Soak sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain. 2. Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, soy milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, melted margarine, miso, apple cider vinegar, tahini, mustard, paprika, onion powder, turmeric, and salt. Blend until smooth. 3. Prepare Agar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine water and agar powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the agar dissolves. 4. Combine & Set: Quickly pour the agar mixture into the blender with the cashew mixture. Blend until well combined. Transfer to a mold or container, and sprinkle with minced pistachios. 5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.
External Recipes
- Vegan “Cheese” Spread Recipe (Health Score: 85)
Allergens
Tree Nuts, Soy, Sesame
HealthScore: 85
The use of cashews, nutritional yeast, and other whole ingredients makes this a nutritious, plant-based alternative to traditional cheese. The moderate fat content is balanced by essential nutrients.